Children at a Cardiff primary school have drawn and written happy memories as a beautiful tribute to their much-loved teacher.

Nursery teacher Katharine Hinds-Payne was described by her colleagues at St Bernadette’s Primary School as “much cherished and highly respected”.

Mrs Hinds-Payne, who had taught at the Pentwyn school for 17 years, leaves husband Damien and sons, Gabriel and Adam, 13 and 10. Both sons went to their mum’s school before Gabriel moved to Corpus Christi High School.

Paying tribute, headteacher Suzanne Williams said: “Mrs Hinds-Payne started on the 1st September 1999 and in the 17 years that she has been here has made a big impact on the whole of our St Bernadette’s community.

“As our nursery teacher for the majority of her time here, she was instrumental in helping to set standards and to make everyone feel welcomed.

“As well as setting up and running the Eco and Fairtrade Committees, she supported children, staff and parents in her role.

“I know that the whole school community admired the commitment and dedication that she gave to the teaching profession.”

After her death was announced to the school, pupils were asked to celebrate their teacher’s life.

One said: “She was always telling jokes and this helped to bring a smile to everyone’s face. She helped you to not give up and was always there for you.”

These were two of the children's pictures of her:

Another wrote:”Mrs Hinds-Payne always smiled and made people happy. She was lovely, pretty and kind to all the teachers and children.”

One recalled her favourite book, writing:”Mrs Hinds-Payne had a special talent for making children feel good about themselves. I remember that my favourite story book was ‘Little Rabbit Foo Foo’. So I learnt it off by heart and Mrs Hinds-Payne let me say it in front of everyone in the nursery. It made me feel so excited, so happy and so proud.”

Mrs Williams added: “Her positive attitude and kind and caring nature will be greatly missed by everyone and our thoughts and prayers are sent to her family to keep them strong and to help them through this time. We pray for God’s blessing to watch over and protect them all.”

Her family are supporting the Marie Curie Hospice - Holme Tower and Cancer Research.

* Mrs Hinds-Payne’s funeral will take place at 10.15am at St Peter’s Catholic Church on 23rd January.